Living in a Selfish World

For decades economists have portrayed mankind as a species that seeks only profit and its own advantage. Many economists view the global markets and their mechanisms in accordance with this image. People chase individual success with all their might – even at the expense of their neighbors.

Yet recently scientists from various different disciplines have begun to question this view of things. The financial crisis gave a special urgency to their work, and in the meantime, neuro-scientists, evolutionary researchers and economists have turned the old, pseudo-Darwinist picture of mankind on its head. They are coming to the conclusion that, throughout its tribal history, humankind is characterized by mutual support, readiness to help and teamwork.